♥ Chapter 26♥

Enzo D'Angelo.

As soon as we're back inside the party, I make my way to my seat next to Klaus, trying to ignore the satisfied smile he's showing. I sit down, and while the atmosphere continues to vibrate with music and conversation, the music abruptly stops. The twins' father rises from his seat, drawing the attention of everyone in the room with an authoritative and warm presence.

''It's time for congratulations, bring out the cake!'' His voice resounds through the hall. The large doors are opened by the waiters, who enter carrying a huge cake decorated with exuberant elegance. The cake is placed in front of the twins, and we all come forward to join in the traditional ''Happy Birthday''.

The room fills with the joyful sound of collective singing. Everyone sings in unison, and soon the twins, with beaming smiles, blow out the candles. The celebration seems to be taking its natural course until, suddenly, a woman from the crowd shouts enthusiastically:

''Who's going to get the first piece of cake?'' The question is met with a wave of agreement and laughter from the audience.

Luan, with a mischievous twinkle in his eye, jumps in and replies:

''Well, our parents know that we love them too much, but the first piece of cake goes to someone very special to us.'' He says this, looking at me with an expression that mixes expectation and amusement.

My mind panics. They're not thinking of doing this, are they?

'' Who is it? '' asks a boy from the audience, adding to the tension in the air.

The identical twins' smiles widen as they stare at me with gazes that seem to be charged with an almost malevolent satisfaction.

''Enzo, darling, can you come here?'' Lucas asks, his voice soft but his gaze insistent and penetrating.

I feel the weight of everyone's gaze around me. My brother gives me a gentle push, and, with a resigned sigh, I get up and walk over to the two of them. Each step seems heavier than the last. When I stop in front of them, Luan and Lucas lean in, kissing my cheek with a simultaneity that only increases my embarrassment.

''The first piece of cake goes to Enzo, he's someone very special to both of us,'' Luan announces, his tone brimming with pride and satisfaction.

''And in the future, who knows, it could be something much more. '' adds Lucas, with a smile full of implicit intentions.


My face burns with shame. In an almost involuntary impulse, I think about how I can get back at them for this moment of public embarrassment.

''Here, my love. '' they say in unison, handing me the piece of cake with a gesture that mixes affection and mockery.

I accept the piece, forcing a smile that looks more like a grimace. The smile is just a facade for the feeling of discomfort that invades me.

'' Thank you. '' I say, my voice a little shaky but trying to sound as natural as possible.

''You're welcome,'' they both reply, kissing my cheek once more, as if the intensity of the situation wasn't enough.

Suddenly, their father starts clapping, and soon the other guests follow suit. The sound of clapping echoes through the hall, and I feel the urgent need to escape the situation. I smile weakly, feeling the embarrassment turn into an uncomfortable warmth that spreads across my face.

I quickly move away from the twins and return to my seat next to my brother. Furthermore, I try to settle into the chair, feeling relieved to be away from the twins' stares and mischievous smiles again.

''They looked like you when you were smaller. '' says Klaus, laughing slightly, as if he didn't notice my total discomfort.

I sigh and look around, trying to regain my composure as the hustle and bustle of the party continues around me. The feeling of being the center of attention still lingers, and I hope that at least the rest of the evening can go on without any more embarrassing surprises.

''Be quiet, you idiot,'' I reply coolly, the tone of my voice cutting.

I can still feel the curious stares of several guests who have witnessed the embarrassment. The twins, with a look of triumph, move away from the cake, and a feeling of continuous discomfort hangs in the air.

''You may sit down to receive your food. '' they announce in unison, as always.

They both walk towards me, and, to my surprise, Lucas pulls out my chair and moves it to the side, creating a space next to my brother. Now I'm in the middle of the twins, a position I had tried to avoid. I feel a wave of frustration mixed with a touch of helplessness.

''I'm going to kill you both for what you've put me through,'' I growl in a low tone, but audible enough for them to hear.

Luan and Lucas laugh with nonchalance.

''You can do whatever you want to us, love.'' Luan whispers in my ear, and a shiver runs down my skin.

''Stop it.'' I say, pulling away from him. Luan wraps his arm around my waist, pulling me closer.

''I'm jealous, love. You let Lucas kiss you, and all I got was a slap.

''You kissed me by force.'' I remember, and I see a guilty smile forming on Luan's face.